Method and apparatus for testing swellable materials
AssigneeSwelltec Limited
InventorsKim Nutley, Brian Nutley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in testing the swell characteristics of swellable components used in downhole exploration or production equipment, such as swellable packers. A method of measuring a test piece using a testing apparatus with a fluid chamber and a transducer is described. Measured data can be compared with data measured from a sample section of a tool to determine a relationship between swell characteristics. The determined relationships can then be used to calculate or predict swelling characteristics of swellable components, for example particular packer designs, in specific fluid samples.
Claims66
A method of testing a swellable component for downhole hydrocarbon exploration or production equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a test piece comprising a swellable material in a fluid chamber of a testing apparatus;
- exposing the test piece to a triggering fluid;
- measuring, using a transducer of the testing apparatus, a swell characteristic of the test piece to provide a test piece measurement data set;
- and
- determining a relationship between the swell characteristic of the test piece and a swell characteristic of the swellable component.
An apparatus for testing a swell characteristic of a material used in a swellable component of downhole hydrocarbon exploration or production equipment, the apparatus comprising:
- a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid and a test piece comprising a swellable material;
- and
- a transducer for measuring a swell characteristic of the test piece.
A method of analysing data obtained from a test of a swellable component of downhole hydrocarbon exploration or production equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a first measurement data set comprising measurement data corresponding to a test piece swell characteristic;
- providing a second measurement data set comprising measurement data corresponding to a swellable component swell characteristic;
- and
- comparing the first and second measurement data sets to determine a relationship between a test piece swell characteristic and a swellable component swell characteristic.
A method of calculating swelling data for a swellable component of downhole hydrocarbon exploration or production equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a test piece measurement data set, wherein the test piece measurement data set is obtained by:
- disposing a test piece comprising a swellable material in a fluid chamber of a testing apparatus, exposing the test piece to a fluid, and measuring a test piece swell characteristic;
- and
- calculating swelling data for the swellable component from the test piece measurement data set by using a relationship between the test piece swell characteristic and a swell characteristic of the swellable component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.